Speculation is mounting in political circles over whether interim government advisers Mahfuz Alam and Asif Mahmud; who were sworn in as student representatives; will contest in the upcoming national election.
Asif Mahmud had earlier expressed interest in participating in the polls. However, he told the media that he has not yet made a final decision on whether to run as an independent candidate or under a political party’s banner.
Meanwhile, Mahfuz Alam’s potential candidacy was mentioned by his brother, Mahbub Alam, during a recent meeting of the National Citizen Party (NCP).
In recent weeks, leaders of the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and NCP have reportedly raised objections about certain advisers during meetings with the Chief Adviser. Media reports also suggest that the top level of the government had advised both Mahfuz Alam and Asif Mahmud to resign in mid-September, though neither has publicly commented on the matter.
According to sources, given the current political equation surrounding the election, neither adviser plans to resign for now.
Following the fall of the Awami League government after the July mass uprising, Mahfuz Alam, Asif Mahmud, and Nahid Islam were appointed as student representatives in the interim government’s advisory council. Later, Nahid Islam resigned and joined the newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP), composed of leaders from the protest movement.
Political analysts note that after Nahid Islam’s resignation, the influence of the remaining two student advisers diminished somewhat. Still, their positions remain crucial in maintaining balance between the government and the NCP. Many warn that if Mahfuz and Asif were to step down, it could strain relations between the interim government and the NCP.
Professor Asif Nazrul described the current political deadlock as “deeply concerning,” saying, “Amid intense party rivalries, the government seems uncertain about what steps to take next.”
NCP’s chief coordinator Nasir Uddin Patwary echoed similar concerns, stating, “The situation is unstable. If elections are not held by February and the country descends into civil unrest, the Chief Adviser will bear responsibility.”
The ongoing political turmoil, reflected in both the legal adviser’s cautious remarks and Patwary’s warning, underscores the uncertainty within the interim administration and its allies.
Observers believe that both Mahfuz Alam and Asif Mahmud could eventually align with the NCP, though to avoid conflicts of interest, they might instead contest under a different party or as independents.
For now, whether the two student advisers will contest the election and in what capacity remains an open question, along with the larger issue of how responsibly they will navigate their dual roles.
TDD/ SHS
